Jim Fowler : biography

April 9, 1932 -

Jim Fowler (born April 9, 1932; Albany, Georgia) is a professional zoologist and was host of the Emmy Award-winning television show Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.

Fowler first served as the co-host of Wild Kingdom with Marlin Perkins, and then became the main host in 1986. While Fowler was serving as host of Wild Kingdom, he received four separate Emmy awards and an endorsement by the National PTA for family viewing.

Fowler was the official wildlife correspondent for NBC's The Today Show since 1988 and also regularly seen on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, making forty appearances in total as he brought various wildlife animals on the show.

In 1997, Fowler joined Discovery Communication's Animal Planet as a wildlife expert and later launched the television program Jim Fowler's Life in the Wild in 2000.

Fowler also made an appearance on "The Merv Griffin Show" episode of Seinfeld, where he was a "guest" on Kramer's "talk show", asking "Where are the cameras?"

Quotes

"The continued existence of wildlife and wilderness is important to the quality of life of humans. Our challenge for the future is that we realize we are very much a part of the earth's ecosystem, and we must learn to respect and live according to the basic biological laws of nature." &mdash; Jim Fowler

"Almost all of the social tragedies occurring around the world today are caused by ignoring the basic biological laws of nature ... The quicker we humans learn that saving open space and wildlife is critical to our welfare and quality of life, maybe we'll start thinking of doing something about it." &mdash; Jim Fowler

Awards

In 1991, Earlham College recognized Fowler for his distinguished career with an Outstanding Alumni Award.

In 1995, the Global Communications for Conservation (GCC) organization presented Fowler with the 1995 Safari Planet Earth award for his "outstanding achievements in caring for our planet". The National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc., also awarded him with its highest achievement award, the Gold Seal, in recognition of his contributions to environmental causes.

In 1998, the Environmental Media Association (EMA) presented Fowler with their first-ever Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his strong support and on-going commitment to the environment.

In 2003, Fowler was the recipient of the Lindbergh Award for his 40 years of dedication to wildlife preservation and education.

In 2011, received an award for Best Zookeeper Ever.

In 2012, recognized by the American Zookeeping Association of America as the Greatest Zookeeper of All-Time (Gz.O.A.T.)